Sharon "Shari" McGean Jarrell

Sharon “Shari” Jarrell, 65, of Stantonsburg, died April 26, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born July 12, 1955, in Syracuse, NY.

Shari was raised in Syracuse and graduated from Henninger High School, class of 1972. She later attended SUNY Oswego.

Shari’s life was dedicated to serving others.   She taught a wide variety of skills, from cosmetology to business math at Lansing Residential Center, before retiring after nearly 30 years.   She was an advocate for both her students and colleagues, serving as president of her local PEF union, testifying before NYS congressional committees, and authoring and co-authoring papers and training materials used throughout the state.

Additionally, Shari was an entrepreneur, owning several small businesses throughout her life, including hair salons, entertainment businesses, and a restaurant. Most recently, she owned and operated Grooming on the Go NC, a mobile dog grooming business in Wilson County. Shari loved all dogs but especially her own dog, Scoobie. She dearly missed her other beloved dogs, Muffin and Buster.

Shari had a passion for charity and community enrichment.  She was a longtime sponsor of the American Cancer Society. A proponent of supporting small, local charities, Shari volunteered at events in her hometown of Stantonsburg, supporting community nights and helping launch an annual food drive for the Girl Scouts.  Most recently, she sewed more than 3,000 face masks and distributed them free of charge throughout her community.

Shari loved singing, playing piano, listening to music, writing, and crocheting. 

Shari is survived by the love of her life, her wife, Regina “Gina” Jarrell; two daughters: Jessica Merulla (Joseph Barrile Jr.) of New York City and Jillian Merulla (Jay Stooks) of Ithaca, NY; and little one Meghan LaRue, many friends, and family members. She was predeceased by her parents. 

The family will be hosting a life celebration on Sunday, July 11 from 12:00PM - 3:00PM in Ithaca, NY in Stewart Park's Large Pavilion and ask that you join them.

Those who wish to remember Shari in a special way may make gifts in her memory to one of these charities close to Shari’s heart:

American Cancer Society - https://www.cancer.org 

The Wesley Shelter, Inc. for victims of domestic violence and assault - https://www.wesleyshelter.org/support-us 

Tender Mercies, homeless animal rescue -http://www.tendermerciespet.org/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sharon "Shari" McGean Jarrell, please visit our floral store.